Kultur 11

This chapters culture articles were much less lighthearted that those of prior chapters. It is sad to hear that a country whose culture, politics, and lifestyle I respect so much, and often wish was my own, has these problems. In general I think of Germans as very contemporary while maintaining classic values such as professionalism and working hard. These prejudices don't fit in my mind with the no-nonsense and logical behavior Germans seem to display. Initially after reading the emotion I felt was almost disappointment, however, after some thought I realized it is still probably still a much less prejudiced country than the U.S. There are many prejudices in the U.S. from state to state or region to region; as I thought more I realized even I have my own prejudices. I am guilty of in general thinking of the bible belt in almost the same way that Berliners think of Bavaria. I don't have any real issue with southerners but I strongly disagree with much of their politics and social policy. This fact combined with the purely humorous stereotypes that us Yankees enjoy probably puts me in a similar place as a German with stereotypes about the south or east. In closing I guess I just hope that the German stereotypes are like mine, almost entirely based in humor with maybe a difference of political opinion on the side as opposed to actual hate and discrimination.

p.s. If you're from the south I hope I don't offend you by reminding you that no the south will not be rising again. :)